Interview with Chris Mazdzer Silver Medalist Winter Olympics PyeongChang 2018

Lake Placid (FIL/12 Nov 2023) Chris Mazdzer is the Silver Medalist of the Olympic Winter Games in PyeongChang 2018. Last winter, the Utah-based family man only competed in the two EBERSPAECHER World Cups in North America and spent the rest of the winter taking care of his family and professional career.

For FIL-Luge.org we have talked to the 35 year old four-times Olympian who grew up in Saranac Lake (N.Y.):

Chris Mazdzer, we hope that you are doing well and looking forward to the start of the season?

Chris Mazdzer: “I have been training and am looking forward to the upcoming winter.”

For the first time since December 2019, New York State will host a Luge World Cup event. How much are you looking forward to this home race in December 2023?

Chris Mazdzer: “I am really excited that the World Cup is coming back to Lake Placid. Lake Placid has not had a World Cup in years and it's definitely time for the world to return to one of the only places that has hosted two Olympic Games.”

What is special about the track in Lake Placid?

Chris Mazdzer: “In the past the track crew has done an amazing job preparing the track for World Cup competitions and there is really not another track in the world that gets the heart racing like Lake Placid. The turns are linked closely together and when the temperature drops below -10C (which is common) the track presents unique challenges that even more experienced athletes have difficulty handling. It is truly an exciting race for spectators and athletes alike and that's why I am excited that we are starting there.”

What does it mean to you to compete at home?

Chris Mazdzer: “I am really looking forward to this race and no, this is not my last race. I will have my friends, family and the entire team's families at the race (the amazing thing about the US Team is that collectively as a family we support and cheer for one another. It's going to be a great atmosphere and I am excited to see everyone in the US come together for this event.”

How did you prepare for your home race and for the season?

Chris Mazdzer: “I have been training all summer in the weightroom to be ready for this season and actually feel really good. I got onto ice for the first time at the beginning of October to work on start technique and feel confident that I will be ready for the start of the season. The World Championships in Altenberg are my goal and I will be racing in the World Cups to qualify my spot in that race.”

Thank you very much, Chris Mazdzer and good luck for the upcoming season!

photos: FIL and Instagram Chris Mazdzer